Washington, DC – May 2019 – National Cathedral

The Washington National Cathedral is the second largest church in the country, and serves as the church for many state funerals, among other activities.

Because of Washington’s unique building height restrictions it is the 4th tallest building in the city, despite only being 300′ high.

The day we visited they were having the annual Flower Mart. As part of this event there were a number of group performing, including the choir from the nearby St Alban’s School.

The main section rises to the aforementioned 300′, with a length of nearly 500′ making it an impressive space.

State flags line the cathedral. Despite the name it receives no money from the government.

There is a significant amount of carvings throughout.

The organ was built by Ernest Skinner & Son Organ Company. It was completed and installed in 1938, with over 10,000 pipes.

A closeup of some of the carvings.

The church suffered significant damage in a 2011 earthquake, and they have been raising money ever since to complete repairs. By selling Lego bricks at $2 each, they hope to raise the final $19 million to finish the repairs. The bricks are to build an exact replica of the cathedral.

A statue of George Washington was sculpted in 1947 and placed in the church. It is said to represent Washington not as a soldier, or president, but ‘just a man’.

As noted previously the Flower Mart was occurring on this day. As part of this celebration the country of Ecuador flew in fresh roses and was giving each lady a rose, presented by a representative of the embassy.

Many countries had floral displays, none more unusual that Switzerland’s rose cow.

Many lined the nave, with the stained glass windows providing backdrops.

The arrangements were very well done.

The Washington Cathedral is a stunning building, and the Flower Mart display added to the experience.